Exploring the alien planet
The Oracle waiting for a question
Click the puzzle piece to work a jigsaw puzzle
The Indigo Jewel
Chapter 17 - Coming Home
Intro,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
Epilogue,
Afterward
“People think of education as something they can finish.” ― Isaac Asimov
When the ship Manasvita and her crew have been traveling in arrives at the planet of origin, they find a world that has returned to its pre-industrial state. The nature preserves on the ground are thriving while the massive suspended architecture is abandoned and decaying. The organic beings who lived here have gone extinct, leaving the animals in the vast nature preserves unattended.
The mechanical world the beings left behind has mostly ceased to function. But there is one intelligence located in The Great Convergence Hall that is still active. She has continued her mission of monitoring and assisting the jewels that are still operating, including the one now on her planet. The visitors’ exploration of the world takes many months, but they finally find her chamber and enter it. There they see her great face on the wall, but do not realize she is still active. For days they study the artifacts in the hall, different from anything else they have found on the planet. Finally, someone inadvertently asks a question that seems directed at her and the Oracle responds, causing a great commotion in the hall. She is pummeled with questions and remains quiet until they subside.
But before she will address any of their questions, the Oracle asks to speak to the leader of the travelers from Earth. Manasvita is carrying the Indigo Jewel and is the only person who has any idea what has transpired and how they got here. So she steps forward from the group and raises her arms.
“Oh beloved Oracle, I represent the hundreds of women who have held the role of caretaker to the Jewel. There are over 400 of us. I must share the credit for our arrival with all of them, for had any one of them failed, we would not be here today. It is mere chance that I am the one who has the privilege of thanking you.”
“Do not forget I still communicate with all those who have possessed the jewel” responded the Oracle.
“It is true”, said Manasvita, "but I think any of them would gladly trade places with me. I want to thank you for the guidance you have shared with me and my grandmothers. And the gift of continued consciousness after our lives. Because of this we were able to help both each other and the one who currently holds the jewel. The continuing of our consciousness within the jewel is a privilege beyond anything we could have ever dreamed of.”
“Should you want to continue your existence within the jewel, it is offered,” replies the Oracle, “however, there is one requirement. You must continue your lineage and do everything possible to help the fledgling human population as it learns to adapt to this planet. That must be your primary concern, just as protecting the jewel was paramount for each of you when you held it. I feel confident you will embrace this new role.”
“It is something we were hoping to hear”, responded Manasvita. She was holding the jewel in the palm of her hand and was communicating with the 432 former holders. The voices in her mind were all sending affirming thoughts.
“So, if there is no disagreement, we will consider the matter settled. I will continue to assist you and provide guidance. Like me, you are autonomous, and may choose whether you want to follow my advice. I have no agenda other than your welfare.”
With these words, the Oracle fell silent again. She knew what had transpired on Earth through her connection with the Jewel. Her monitoring of the jewels on their missions would continue, and this partnership with the humans who also require her attention. She was up to the task.
As for the fate of the planet’s indigenous sentient beings, the Oracle provided detailed documentation of the events leading up to their demise. This information could prove useful to the humans in the future, if only they pass it on from one generation to the next.
Copyright © 2025 Elton Smith